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Posted on: 20 January, 2015

Do you know your evacuation options in an emergency?

Whitsunday Disaster Management Group is reminding Whitsunday residents to be aware of theirevacuation options and have a plan in the event of a cyclone or severe weather event.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor and Chair of the Whitsunday Disaster Management GroupJenny Whitney said it is important for people to understand that the safest and most comfortableplace for most people during a severe weather event is to shelter in place at their home.

“People should consider other shelter options if their home is located in a storm surge evacuation zone, their home is built prior to 1982 or in poor condition, or if they live alone or have special needs,” she said.

“Sheltering with friends or family in higher places is a good option, as you will be more comfortable and may be able to take your pets with you.

“The last option available to people if they have exhausted all their shelter options and are unable to leave the warning area is sheltering at one of the public cyclone shelters.

“There are two public cyclone shelters in the Whitsunday region, one located at Bowen State High School, Richmond Road, Bowen and one located at Proserpine State School, Sterry StreetProserpine.”

Some important points to remember about the public cyclone shelters:

• They will only be opened for Severe Tropical Cyclones, this is a category 3, 4 or 5 cyclone• They provide short-term shelter up to 18 hours for up to 800 people• Chairs will be available but there is no room for mattresses or stretchers• Not pets or animals are allowed• Personal baggage is limited to a small backpack which can fit under a chair• You must be self-sufficient and bring your own food, water and medicine

Cyclone shelters are short-term options during the severe weather event, evacuation and recovery centres will be established for people requiring longer term accommodation once the cyclone has past.